On Boxing Day 2012, two goals from Billy Sharp and one from Dexter Blackstock secured an exciting 4-2 win against Leeds United in front of 26,670 at the City Ground but it was not enough to save Sean O'Driscoll from the sack despite his side lying just one point off the play-off places.
Lack of consistency in terms of a winning run was cited as one of the reasons for his departure.
Three days later Sharp scored again to salvage a 2-2 home draw with Crystal Palace but the man in charge of the Reds was now Alex McLeish, a surprise appointment following a disappointing spell in charge of Aston Villa.
McLeish was not around for long, of course, Billy Davies returning for his second spell in charge on February 7 this year.
After a rapid rise up the table towards the end of last season and a solid start to the current campaign, the first signs of pressure were seen last week with Davies assuring the club website that he has 'no intention of going anywhere, no matter what happens and what is said', amid negative headlines after a clash with a photographer and a slight dip in form, halted by Saturday's win at Sheffield Wednesday.
The Scot has an admirable record. Following the trip to Sheffield Wednesday his side have lost just 7 of their 34 league games played since he returned.
He has consistently sought to keep a lid on expectations amid the peaks and troughs of a 46 game Championship season and will be hoping for a succesful but calm festive period.